"Consistency key to success"

Jimmy Smith is both honest and optimistic when reflecting on the 2016/17 campaign for the Reds.

The captain recognises that results weren't at the consistent level required to challenge in the upper echelons of the league, and sets that as the main challenge for next season.

"Up until October we were in a strong position and then began to fall away slightly. Losing big characters to injury didn’t help our cause but the good teams are consistent throughout the whole year.

"It’s a word we’ve used a lot this year but it’s exactly what we need to be if we want to be successful and challenge at the top end of the division."

With the play-off semi-final second legs taking place this week, the midfielder highlighted one of the participants in particular as being the blueprint side to aim for.

"Teams like Exeter City are in the play-offs this week and when we went there they were at the bottom of the league and they really struggled throughout the winter.

"It just shows you what going on a good run can do for a side and how important it is to replicate good performances every week. They’ve now got a great chance of getting to Wembley and that sort of motive is something we have to strive for – working hard every day and producing at the weekends."

The beginning of the campaign saw the former Leyton Orient man get given the armband before the start of his third season with the club - a responsibility he has relished.

"It was a big thing for and meant a lot – with the likes of Sonny (Bradley) leaving and players arriving I knew there was big characters in the side

"It was a big personal goal of mine and coming back for pre-season was when I knew I had to impress the manager and show what I could do both on and off the pitch – thankfully I was able to do that."